Ever wondered why the same beans taste like two different drinks when brewed through different glass cones? Choosing between a Chemex and a V60 is about how you want your morning coffee to feel and taste.
Both methods are pillars of the specialty coffee world, but they offer distinct experiences. Here is a quick look at how they stack up against each other.
Direct comparison
| Feature | Chemex | Hario V60 |
|---|---|---|
| Taste Profile | Ultra-clean, tea-like clarity | Vibrant, complex, medium body |
| Filter Type | Thick, bonded paper | Thin, conical paper |
| Grind Size | Medium-coarse | Medium-fine |
| Brew Time | 4–6 minutes | 2–3.5 minutes |
| Best For | Brewing for 2–4 people | Single-cup precision |
Taste profiles and clarity
The biggest difference between these two brewers is the "cleanliness" of the cup. In our experience, the Chemex is the champion of clarity. Because it uses exceptionally thick filters, it removes almost all coffee oils and fine particles. The result is a light, tea-like body that highlights delicate floral and citrus notes.
The V60, on the other hand, allows more of those natural oils to pass through into your cup. This gives the coffee more body and a punchier acidity. If you enjoy a brew with a bit more texture and complexity, the V60 is likely your best match.
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The role of paper filters
In the world of pour-over, the filter is the most important variable. Chemex bonded filters are designed to function like laboratory paper. They are roughly 20-30% thicker than standard filters, which slows down the water flow and traps bitterness-causing elements and sediment for a clean, flavourful cup.
V60 filters are much thinner and come to a sharp point. This design, combined with the signature spiral ribs on the inside of the dripper, keeps the paper from sticking to the walls. This setup encourages a faster flow and requires a more precise pouring technique to get the best results.
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Grind size and technique
Because the Chemex has a slower flow rate due to that thick paper, you need a coarser grind. If you grind too fine, the water will stall, and your coffee will end up tasting bitter. For the V60, a medium-fine grind is essential to provide enough resistance for the water as it rushes through the large hole at the bottom.
Regardless of which brewer you choose, the way you grind coffee beans is the most impactful change you can make to your routine. A consistent grind ensures that every coffee particle extracts at the same rate, preventing a mix of sour and bitter flavours.
Lifestyle and routine
The Chemex is a design icon that looks beautiful on a dining table. Since it comes in larger sizes, we recommend it for those who often brew for several people at once. It is also quite forgiving; you do not need a perfect pouring technique to get a delicious, clean cup.
The V60 is a brewer for the tinkerer. It rewards precision and practice. Since it usually sits directly on top of a mug or a small server, it is perfect for a quick, high-quality single cup before work. Many of our customers tell us they enjoy the ritual of the V60 because it allows for more control over the final flavour.
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The final verdict
Choose the Chemex if you value a clean, sediment-free cup, frequently brew for others, or simply love the classic glass-and-wood aesthetic. It makes a bright, crisp coffee that stays delicious even as it cools.
Choose the V60 if you want to experiment with different recipes, prefer a bit more body in your brew, or usually only make one cup at a time. It is a fantastic tool for highlighting the punchy fruitiness of a washed Kenyan coffee, like the Karimikui from Morgon Coffee Roasters.
Whichever path you take, remember that the quality of your water is just as vital as your brewer. Since water makes up nearly 99% of your drink, using the best water will help you unlock the full potential of your specialty beans. Ready to start your pour-over journey? Explore our collection to find the setup that fits your morning.